Last pope to hold temporal power, that is, to rule a secular state. His election raised the hopes of patriotic and liberal circles of Catholics. One of his first acts was an amnesty for all political prisoners. Defined the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary on 8 December1854. Celebrated the First Vatican Council from 1869 to 1870, which was interrupted by the Franco-Prussian War. This council defined the dogma of papal infallibility. He supported several reforms in the Papal States, which included central Italy, and several outlying areas, such as Assisi, but lost the territory due to the unification of the Kingdom of Italy in 1870 and 1871. Created 123 cardinals. Gained a reputation for being a patriotic, and reforming Pope, and only SaintPeter the Apostle served longer.